Laken Riley's Family Supports Mike Collins for Senate

A Family's Endorsement of Mike Collins in Georgia’s Senate Race

The family of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was tragically murdered by a migrant gang member, has publicly endorsed Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins in the Peach State’s Senate race. This endorsement comes months after Collins played a key role in passing a bill named in honor of their late daughter, aimed at addressing concerns about migrant criminals.

Allyson and John Phillips, Laken’s mother and stepfather, expressed their strong support for Collins, stating that “a lot of people go to Washington and it changes them. However, in the short time that we have known him, Mike Collins went to Washington and changed it.” They emphasized that there is no one else in the race who deserves to be in the U.S. Senate more than Collins, highlighting his commitment to delivering results that matter.

“We believe Mike Collins says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers,” they added. The family also praised Collins for his actions on their behalf, noting that his efforts were not driven by politics or attention but by a genuine desire to do what was right and bring justice for Laken.

In addition to Collins, the family acknowledged the support of Senator Katie Britt and former President Donald Trump, expressing their gratitude for their contributions to the cause. Their statement underscored the belief that the Biden administration and current senators had prioritized illegal immigrants over the safety of constituents, leading to tragic consequences like Laken’s murder.

The Laken Riley Act and Its Impact

Collins and Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Laken Riley Act in the House and Senate, respectively, and worked to secure bipartisan support for the bill. It passed through both chambers in January and was signed into law by President Trump on January 29, making it the first bill he signed after returning to the White House.

Laken Riley, 22, was killed by Jose Ibarra, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her murder sparked national attention and became a focal point for Republican criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. The family pointed out that the current administration and senators had supported open borders, which allowed her killer to enter the United States.

They urged voters to support Collins in the upcoming election, believing he would create policies that ensure the safety of all Georgians. “Next November, please join us in supporting our friend Mike Collins and give him the ability to create policies that will ensure the safety and protection of all Georgia’s sons and daughters.”

The Senate Race and Political Landscape

Mike Collins entered the Senate race as a Republican challenger to incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. His campaign was soon joined by fellow Republican Derek Dooley, the son of legendary Bulldogs football coach Vince Dooley and a former head coach at the University of Tennessee.

Early public polling from April showed that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) trailed Ossoff by double digits before Collins, along with Georgia GOP Rep. Buddy Carter and Dooley, announced their bids to unseat the first-term Democrat. An online survey by the TechnoMetrica Institute of Policy and Politics for the League of American Workers found that Collins received 27% of GOP primary voters, followed by Carter (20%) and Dooley (8%). Up to 39% of voters remained undecided on the race, according to the poll.

In addition to the support from Laken Riley’s family, Collins has gained backing from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a longtime Georgia congressman. This endorsement highlights the growing momentum behind his campaign as the race intensifies.